The short answer
Yes. The personal property part of your homeowners policy usually pays for items stolen from your home, after your deductible. Damage the thief caused, like a broken door or window, is usually covered under dwelling coverage.
How much you get depends on your limits and settlement terms. Review your policy or talk with your agent to confirm yours.
Theft away from home
Many policies cover your belongings anywhere in the world, within limits. A laptop stolen from your car, luggage taken while traveling or a bike stolen from campus may be covered. Some policies set a lower limit for property kept at a second home or storage unit.
The car itself is a different policy. Auto comprehensive coverage handles a stolen vehicle.
Special limits on valuables
Policies often cap theft payouts for certain categories, even if your overall personal property limit is high. The amounts vary by carrier.
If you own valuable pieces, ask about scheduling them. A scheduled item endorsement can cover a specific ring or watch for its appraised value, often with broader protection, including loss.
- Jewelry and watches
- Cash and gift cards
- Firearms
- Silverware
- Collectibles, art and furs
What often isn't covered
- Items you simply lost or misplaced, unless scheduled
- Theft by someone who lives in your home
- Theft from a home left vacant for a long period, under some policies
- Items above special limits that you didn't schedule
- Business property, beyond small limits
Replacement cost or actual cash value
Replacement cost pays what it takes to buy a similar new item. Actual cash value subtracts depreciation, so an older TV pays out far less than a new one costs. Check which your policy uses for belongings.
Right after a theft
- Call the police and get a copy of the report
- Report the claim to your carrier promptly
- Make a list of missing items with photos, receipts or serial numbers
- Secure broken doors or windows
- Cancel stolen cards and change locks if keys were taken
Build a home inventory now
A room-by-room video and a list of major items, kept in the cloud, can save hours after a loss. Update it when you buy something valuable. Keep receipts and appraisals for jewelry and electronics in the same place, so you can prove ownership and value quickly. An inventory also helps you see whether your personal property limit is high enough.
